fàfàfàfà ctàÜ|v~Ëá fv{ÉÉÄ ctàÜ|v~Ëá fv{ÉÉÄ ctàÜ|v~Ëá fv{ÉÉÄ ctàÜ|v~Ëá fv{ÉÉÄ Ovens St, Wangaratta, Vic 3677 Phone: (03) 5721 5795 Fax: (03) 5721 9604 Email: principal@spwangaratta.catholic.edu.au

___________________________________________________________________________________ St. Patrick’s Primary School, Wangaratta, would like to acknowledge the Yorta Yorta Nation, whose clans

include Bangerang (Pangerang), Kaitheban, Wollithiga, Moira, Ulupna, Kwat Kwat, Yalaba Yalaba and

Ngurai-illiam-wurrung, as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our school is situated.

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER 18th November, 2015

The Paris attacks have been dominating the news this week and the more I think about it the less I understand the motive. As near as I can see Islamic State (Daesh) is a group of fanatics, run by power hungry narcissists having indoctrinated people into a warped and bad ideology.

How do I know this? Well anyone who perpetrates evil in the name of God (Allah) is as far from God as one could be. God is love, peace, and understanding! He’s NOT hatred, evil, controlling and anti-life as exposed by these terrorists.

Just last week we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation with many of our Year Three students. As a key part of our faith, Reconciliation draws us to being forgiven and to forgive so that we may be more like God in our everyday lives.

The atrocities in Paris have nothing to do with religion (Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu or otherwise). Killing in the name of God is so opposite of everything that God is. I pity the perpetrators of these attacks and I am outraged by their stupidity. I am saddened and disgusted that ignorant people think they have the right to take away God’s most precious gift to us, the gift of life.

So today and in the weeks ahead, I’ll pray for all those who lost their lives knowing that they are in God’s loving care. I’m sad that they have been robbed of the opportunities life can give us: family, friends, beauty, love, ageing gracefully(!), the wonder and awe of enjoying this beautiful world made by God to name a few.

I know I should aspire to be more like God and forgive the evil doers but, at the moment, I am so consumed by my disgust for these people that I am struggling to find forgiveness for them. God, I’m sure, has already forgiven them as God loves unconditionally.

Perhaps when I pray for the dead, I also need to pray for those who would do evil in the world that they come to know God is all loving and not the controlling, life-taking self righteous entity that they perceive Him to be.

Dear Parents,

Last Wednesday evening, a group of fifteen students from the school choir, ably lead by our music teacher, Mrs Leonie Brien, performed at the Remembrance Day Commemoration in the Performing Arts Centre. They did an amazing job. They sang beautifully. They also performed at our Assembly last Friday for the students and parents present and again they excelled. I’d like to thank those students and Leonie Brien for bringing it all together on the night. They were great ambassadors for our school.

THANK YOU APPIN STREET BAKERY FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

TRIVIA NIGHT– COME ONE, COME ALL!

This Saturday, the Parents and Friends are running a Trivia Night. Last year’s event was such fun that it was decided to go again this year, cost is $10.00 per head. You can elect to form your own table of ten or you can get the organisers to assign you to a table. Bring your own munchies and drinks. There are limited spaces for this event as it’s held in our school hall which has a maximum seating for this event of 120. Tickets available from Annette and Rosie in the office!

Learning Walks Our next Learning Walk will be held tomorrow, Thursday 19th November. Please check out the advertisement in this week’s newsletter. It will look at what happens in the middle school (Years Three and Sixes). You do not need to have a child in these classes to join us. It will give all parents a clearer insight into the educational pathways followed by the school.

Prep Transition The first of our Prep Transition days was held yesterday (Tuesday). The new Foundation students took to their new environment very well. There are three more transition sessions after which the students should be filled with excitement for the year ahead (I hope!).

COMPLETE GARDEN FUNDRAISER – Tomorrow 19th November I’d like to draw your attention to the Complete Garden Fundraiser tomorrow night from 5.00pm to 8.00pm. Please see the advertisement in this newsletter. There are great bargains and discounts to be had as well as a few drinks and snacks. Bec Dalton is an enormous supporter of St Patrick’s School and I am keen for a successful evening. With Christmas fast approaching, it may be an opportunity to get a few things.

Head lice Unfortunately we’ve had a few instances of headlice reported over the past few days (probably coinciding with the warmer weather). Could I ask parents to check their children’s hair and treat accordingly? It’s school policy to withdraw students from school once headlice has been detected until after they have been treated which can be done fairly quickly. Thank you for your support in this matter.

THANK YOU – Cold Link Storage I’d like to thank COLD LINK STORAGE for their kind donation of ice and drink tubs for our school sports a fortnight ago.

CLOSURE Days Just some advanced notice on some closure days coming up during November/December.

Friday 27th November - Report Writing Day Friday 4th December – School Closed (Planning Day)

THANK YOU 3

rd LITTLE DUCK CATERING FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

SCHOOL BOARD

The next meeting of the School Board is tomorrow week (Thursday, 26th November) commencing at 5.30pm in the staffroom.

Save the Date – End of Year Mass – Wednesday, 16th December

Just to give our families plenty of notice, we will be holding our End of Year Mass on Wednesday, 16th December commencing at 6.00pm in St Patrick’s Church. We would like to invite all members of the school community including extended families.

Graduation Dinner

Immediately following our End of Year Mass, the year six students and their parents will adjourn to St Pat’s Parish Hall for our Graduation Dinner.

Term Four Ends

The last day for students this year is Thursday, 17th December. On this day, school finishes at 3.30pm

Staffing for 2016

Staffing has been set for 2016 and, to avoid any speculation, here is the organisation as it currently stands:

Foundation ______________________ Karen Rizzo and Michelle Gaston Year One ______________________ Gen Collins and Karen Bray Year Two ______________________ Janina Rinaldi and Leah Cornish Year Three ______________________ Helen Lyons/Grace Patterson and Sarah Smith Year Four ______________________ Trish Shaw and Catherine Kittelty Year Five ______________________ Nara Nicoll/Paul Lynch and Andrea O’Connor Year Six ______________________ Jim Levesque and Helen Rickard Music/Drama ______________________ Leonie Brien ICT (Technology) ___________________ Tony Fram Science _______________________ Abby Batey Art _______________________ Erin Garnham Home School Liaison ________________ Gail Ryan Adding to Numeracy Thinking (ANTs) ____________________ Trudi Vincent Able, Gifted and Talented/Remediation __ Sharyn Ackerly Curriculum Co-ordinator Learning & Teaching ______________________ Helen Lyons Italian ______________________ Lucia Alesiani Special Ed /Wellbeing / Reading Recovery ___________________ Liz Vaughan Administration ______________________ Annette Beitzel Admin/Library Technician _____________ Rosie Pane Teacher Aides _______________________ Michelle Prestianni, Lyn Walker, Robyn Cameron, Jodie Mays, Fay Steadman, Alison Simmonetti and Shirley Southwell. Principal _______________________ Terry Corrigan

I am thrilled that we’ve been able to introduce Reading Recovery as part of our support strategy in the Junior School. This will compliment the many other intervention programs that we run for the benefit of the students in our care. If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to ask and I’ll answer as best I can.

THANK YOU ANYTIME FITNESS FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

Lost Property Whilst we still have a considerable amount of clothing in lost property, there are also a number of miscellaneous items that have been lost. Annette has photographed some of the items and published it in today’s newsletter. If anything looks familiar, then please see Annette in the office.

CHAIRS for Sale

We have some school chairs for sale (about 160 in fact). Earlier this year, the P&F replaced the seating in our Foundation to Year Three classes. Most are in good condition. Metal frames with cloth covering. They are available for $7.00 each or ten for fifty dollars. The sizes range from small to medium children’s chairs. Ideal for cubby houses, playrooms etc. Enquiries to the office!

The latest APP & St Patrick’s School (free App) Newsletter Online

St Patrick's App is available for free to help keep you up to date with our activities and important dates and reminders. Details can be found at: http://www3.spwangaratta.catholic.edu.au/ http://stpatricksict.wikispaces.com/St+Patrick%27s+Mobile+App

Mass Times * Saturday 6.00pm St Patrick's * Sunday 8.00am St Patrick's * Sunday 9.00am Our Lady's * Sunday 10.30am St Patrick's * Sunday 5.00pm Latin Mass at St Patrick's

Terry

THANK YOU PORTER’S NEWSAGENCY FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

CHATTER MATTERS

Here is a list of fabulous books to read with your child that model complex sentences and rich vocabulary:

Fancy Nancy series by Jane O’Connor Fearless by Colin Thompson Clancy the Courageous Cow by Lachie Hume Suddenly by Colin McNaughton The terrible plop by Ursula Dubosarsky The three little bush pigs by Paul Dallimore Giraffes can’t dance by Giles Andreae & Guy Parker+ Rees Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon Window by Jeannie Baker (You will have to make up the sentences for this one!)

DATES TO REMEMBER

NOVEMBER 19th - 9.30am – Learning Walk 19th - 5.00pm – 8.00pm Complete Garden Fundraiser

21st - Trivia Night 26th - 9.30am – 11.00am Foundation (Prep) Orientation 27th - Report Writing Day – PUPIL FREE 30th - 3-6 Swimming Program - YMCA

DECEMBER 1st - 3-6 Swimming Program - YMCA 2nd - 3-6 Swimming Program - YMCA

2nd - 9.30am – 11.00am Foundation (Prep) Orientation 2nd - 7.00pm Foundation (Prep) Information Evening 3rd - 3-6 Swimming Program - YMCA 4th - PUPIL FREE – Planning Day 7th - P/1/2 Swimming Program – Moore than Swimming 7th - 3-6 Swimming Program - YMCA 8th - 9.30am – 12.30pmm Foundation (Prep) Orientation 8th - Whole School Transition Day 9th - P/1/2 Swimming Program – Moore than Swimming 9th - 6.00pm P & F Dinner Meeting 10th - P/1/2 Swimming Program – Moore than Swimming 11th - P/1/2 Swimming Program – Moore than Swimming 14th - P/1/2 Swimming Program – Moore than Swimming 16th - 6.00pm End of Year Mass 16th - 7.00pm Year 6 Graduation Dinner 17th - 3.30pm End of Term Four

Learning Walk

Learning walk of the Years 3 - 6 area will take place tomorrow at 9:15am. Please come along and see our school in action. Your child does not have to be in this area for you to join our walk.

THANK YOU ARBONNE FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

PAT ON THE BACK Foundation A big pat on the back to CAMERON DALTON for the wonderful way Mrs Bray he has worked this week. He has tried his best at the classroom tasks and

listened beautifully. Keep it up Cameron!

Foundation A big pat on the back to JOSHUA WAI for the wonderful progress he Mrs Rizzo has made with his reading, and reaching 214 nights with his take-home

reader. An amazing effort Josh, well done!

Year 1 Congratulations to CHARLOTTE O’MEARA for working really hard Ms Collins with learning her sounds and practising her reading. It is great to see how

focused Charlotte is in class. Well done!

Year 1 A big pat on the back to COOPER & KOEN EYKENBOOM for reading Miss Smith over 190 nights. You both rock! Keep up the great reading!

Year 2 Congratulations to ZOE LANDGREN for displaying such a warm and Mrs Batey welcoming nature and for having a positive work ethic.

Year 2 A big pat on the back to BENNY ROBERTSON for his nightly home Ms Rinaldi reading. Congratulations Benny, for being so dedicated!

Year 3 A big pat on the back to BAILEY LEAVETT-BROWN for having read Ms Daglish over 200 nights this year. You are a star reader, Bailey!

Year 3 Congratulations to RYLEY DALTON for the excellent presentation on Mrs Vincent his homework project “Surprise Me”, making an informative poster to explain

and show the steps to make his billy cart. Congratulations JESSE HUGHES on his great “Surprise Me” presentation, showing a great experiment with 2 balls. You did a fabulous job Jesse. Well done!!

Year 4 Congratulations to EBONY AIREY & GEMMA GIBSON for the Miss Gaston wonderful effort they are putting into their board games and demonstrating

their understanding of procedure.

Year 4 Congratulations to DYLAN TWOMEY & COCO FAN for the well Mrs Shaw thought out prayers they created, wording them beautifully and showing

great understanding about what we have to be grateful for in our lives. Well done Dylan and Coco!

Year 5 Congratulations to MOLLY CANNING & WAITAI TUA for the Mrs Kittelty tremendous effort they put into writing an exciting narrative about Escape. I

was very impressed with your writing skills. Well done!

Year 5 Congratulations to SOPHIE LARKIN & TIAH SIMPSON-WHITE Mr Levesque for taking the time to go back and re-read and edit their work to make

improvements.

Year 6 Well done to LUKE LINDSAY for his improved work ethics during Mrs Cornish mathematics, working really hard to understand how to multiply and then

simplify fractions. Well done!

Year 6 Congratulations to JESSICA HENRY for the wonderful work and Mrs Rickard effort she is putting into her narrative writing. I can’t wait to read her

finished story!

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE CLASSROOM

FOUNDATION – Karen & Karen

Looking at the new Preppies that visited yesterday has really shown just how much our children have grown this year in all areas of their development. They never cease to amaze us! Some reminders:

• Trivia Night this Saturday 21st November

• Report writing day (pupil free day) 27th

November

• Pupil Free Day 4th December

• Swimming Program – 7th

, 9th

, 10th

, 11th

& 14th

December Religion – this week the children are listening to bible stories and Godly plays about acts of kindness (e.g. ‘The Good Samaritan’). They will also complete sequencing activities and make chain prints of helping hands to display how they can help others. Literacy – the children are revising letters, sounds, High Frequency words and onset and rime families through a variety of games, activities, poems and stories. Their confidence in reading and writing has certainly blossomed this term, especially in guided reading. This week the children continue looking at the structure and layout of procedural text types. They are using shared writing experiences such as Snakes and Ladders to compose procedural texts with the teacher, then ‘have a go’ on their own using a template. Please keep home reading part of your daily routine at this busy time of the year – term 4 can often be a time when the most progress is made! Mathematics – This week the children continue to revise concepts taught throughout the year using a range of practical strategies, such as visual displays, games and concrete materials to strengthen their skills and learning. We are also testing the children to assist with reports and revise areas that cater to the needs of the children. Inquiry – This week the children are listing activities we can play inside, outside or both and the similarities and differences between the two? We are collating these results in the form of a graph. We will also be participating in a ‘games’ afternoon e.g. dominoes, scrabble, UNO, different board games, etc in the next few days. We will keep you posted as to when it will be. It should be fun! To tie in with their procedural writing this week, the children are making game boards such as ‘Snakes and Ladders’ and then playing with a partner. As the children are required to wear their school hat this term, please ensure your child has their name

marked/stitched clearly on it! It is a good idea to leave their hat at school in their tub until the end of term so they don’t forget it.

YEAR ONE/TWO – Gen, Sarah, Janina, Amanda & Nara

YEAR 1

We cannot believe that we are in week 7 already! We hope that you had a restful weekend. This week the Grade One children are on Assembly, this will be our last for Term 4 2015. If you are available we would appreciate your support. Just a friendly reminder that it is term four and all children are required to wear their hats outside. If they don’t have a hat, they must play under shelter. Could you please ensure that hats are labelled?

THANK YOU BEAUTY BY COURTNEY FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

Literacy:

This week in Literacy we are continuing our focus on Poetry. Children will be looking at different Nursery Rhymes. Numeracy:

Our focus in Numeracy this week is continuing Exploring Groups. The activities the children will be completing will be making groups with different amounts. Children will be given activities that will use concrete materials such as counters, unifix and icy-pole sticks. Using these materials will assist students to see the groups they have made and the final number. Inquiry:

This week in Inquiry we will be looking at different games that have been played over the years. Children will be playing with marbles and hopscotch. Religion:

This week we are finishing the topic ‘Sharing with others’. We will start our new topic ‘Advent’ next week, in preparation for the festive season.

YEAR 2

This week we welcome Mrs Abby Batey to the Year Two area. She is taking Mrs Cassidy’s class until the end of the year, while Mrs Nicoll will continue to take Monday’s classes. We are so lucky to have these wonderful teachers in the Year Two area, providing continuity and stability for our students.

Numeracy

In numeracy this week, we have continued with the revision of concepts taught throughout the year to help strengthen skills and learning. We continue to encourage incidental learning at home to reiterate concepts such as time, division and multiplication.

Literacy

This week our spelling focus is ‘or’ as in ‘torn’. Please use this opportunity to play extra literacy type games at home incorporating our weekly spelling focus. It is most beneficial. Please also keep home reading part of your daily routine at this busy time of year – term four can often be a time when the most progress is made.

Assembly

We are currently preparing for our Year Two assembly next week, which will also be the final assembly we present for the year! A reminder that the assembly will be held on Thursday morning, due to the school closure the following day. We look forward to seeing as many family and friends as possible!

Term 4 Dates:

November 26: Year 2 Assembly

November 27: Pupil Free Day

December 4: Pupil Free Day

December 7, 9, 10, 11 & 14: Swimming Program

THANK YOU BLADES TRANSPORT FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

YEAR THREE/FOUR – Trudi/Paul, Annee, Michelle &Trish

Literacy In Literacy the Year 3 & 4’s are looking at writing procedures. We will be looking at the language used in writing procedures and the grammar that is used. Students can look at recipes or other things that use procedures at home to help them understand how a procedure is written. Congratulations to all the Year 3 students who have presented their ‘Surprise Me’ homework so far. They have been fantastic and we are looking forward to hearing the rest. Numeracy

This week Year 4 will continue looking at fractions and Year 3 will be looking at Location.

Inquiry

Students continue to look at how the Aboriginal people tell stories through art and dance. Students will look at a variety of different Aboriginal stories and look at the symbols used to tell stories. Please check your child’s hair regularly as at the moment we have a number of reported cases of head lice. The year 3 & 4’s will be going to church on this Friday at 12.00pm. Parents are more than welcome to join us in the Church. Reminders:

* Please continue to ensure your children are reading regularly and completing any given homework. * Years 3 & 4 have reading diaries that are to be filled out please; this helps us to record children’s active home reading. * Students are to revise their times tables each week for homework. * Year 3 students have their ‘Surprise Me’ homework due this week ready for presenting to their class throughout this week and next week. Term 4 Dates: November 20th: Year 3 & 4 Mass November 30th, December 1, 2, 3 & 7: Swimming Program

YEAR FIVE/SIX – Helen, Leah, Jim & Catherine

RE: This week we begin our new topic: “The Birth of Jesus, The Messiah.” Here students will be focusing on different interpretations on the Christmas story within families and societies. We will also be paying particular attention to the birth story of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel. Literacy - Our main focus this week is our Moderated Narrative Writing. Students have spent the last 2 weeks revising structure and strategies needed to create exciting and entertaining short stories. This week, students have planned and created a piece about someone who ‘Escapes!’ We look forward to reading them and seeing how far the students have come in their story writing. Maths - Fractions, Fractions… MORE fractions! Year 5’s are looking at identifying and ordering fractions. Whilst the Year 6’s explore how to multiply, subtract and add fractions.

THANK YOU RINALDO’S CASA CUCINA FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

PAC Performance The senior students were lucky to be invited to Galen’s dress rehearsal of their production Aladdin. Congratulations to all those involved on such a successful performance. It definitely got some of our kids keen for drama and arts at High School. **REMINDERS** Grade Six Graduation Dinner: All notes need to be returned ASAP. We need to confirm numbers and dietary requirements. The dinner will be taking place on the 16th December after our end of year Mass. Bluearth Leadership Day: The Year 6 students copped the raw end of the deal with Mother Nature last week. Unfortunately the storm in the morning caused wet grounds and a power outage at the Special School. We have rescheduled this event for the 26th November. Families have been sent new permission notes, if these could be returned ASAP, that would be appreciated. Magazines to Mrs Kittelty - Please send in any old magazines that you no longer need as we plan to convert them into Christmas Decorations. Thank you! Pupil Free Day - Students will not be required at school on the 27th November, as this is a Report Writing day for teachers. Swimming: Notes have been sent home with information and permission forms regarding the swimming program this year. Could families please get these forms back to the school ASAP. The program is running from November 30th - December 7th (4 sessions for each student).

THANK YOU BROWN BROTHERS WINERY FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

St. Patrick’s Primary School

FOUNDATION (PREP)

ORIENTATION

These are the dates for our Foundation, 2015 Orientation Program:

Tuesday 17th November - 9:30am to 11:00am

Thursday 26th November - 9:30am to 11:00am

Wednesday 2nd December - 9:30am to 11:00am (Bring a piece of fruit and drink)

Tuesday 8th December - 9:30am to 12:30pm (Bring a piece of fruit, drink, hat and snack for playtime)

Children are encouraged to attend all sessions so that they are familiar with their school environment prior

to the commencement of school.

There will be a Foundation (Prep) Information Evening for parents on Wednesday, 2nd December 2015 in the school hall commencing at 7.00pm. The aim of this meeting is to prepare your child for school life at St. Patrick’s. The duration of this meeting will be about one hour.

THANK YOU ANYTIME FITNESS FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

THE COMPLETE GARDEN

FUNDRAISER

WHEN: Thursday 19th November 2015

TIME: 5.00pm – 8.00pm

PLACE: The Complete Garden, 55 Reid Street,

Wangaratta

You will get 20% off store wide and 15% of

what is made on the

night will be donated back to

St Patrick’s School

All beverages and finger food will be supplied by The

Complete Garden.

LUCKY DOOR PRIZE ON THE NIGHT